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Monday, 4 August 2014

UPDATED: The Cambridges Commemorate the First World War in Belgium

One hundred years ago, World War One began. Many countries were deeply affected and still bear the scars of the conflict including Belgium. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry spent the day paying their respects and attending several events marking the centenary of the outbreak of the war.

Today, 4th of August, marks the 100th anniversary of the invasion of Belgium by Germany which violated Belgian neutrality, bringing the UK into the war.

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This morning The Cambridges arrived at L'Abbaye Saint-Laurent, a military hospital, where they were received by His Majesty King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.

In recognition of their her status as King and Queen, Kate curtsied to Philippe and Mathilde.

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde hosted foreign dignitaries included King Felipe VI of Spain and presidents from Ireland, Austria and the European Commission. President Obama sent a delegation including General Philip M. Breedlove, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The Cambridges joined fifty heads of state at the international service of remembrance in Liège.

It was hosted at the symbolic Cointe Inter-Allied Memorial overlooking the city. Liège has an unforgettable history in terms of the war; it was the scene of the first major German assault on the western front after the invasion of neutral Belgium.

William and Kate chatting with French President Fracois Hollande.

As the first city to have effectively opposed the invaders in 1914, Liège was chosen in 1925 by the International Federation of Ex-servicemen to erect an inter-allied monument. Designed by the architect Joseph Smoderen it contains monuments representing Italy, France, Russia, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, Greece and Romania.

Wikipedia

Prince William delivered a powerful short speech:

'These trenches have left an indelible scar on your land - they speak of the horrors of war but also of your forebears' courage. We were enemies more than once, today we are allies and friends. We salute those who died to give us our freedom. We will remember them.'

The British ambassador in Brussels, Jonathan Brenton, said he was delighted members of the British Royal Family were there:

'These commemorations remind us of the important bond between our two countries and the sacrifices we shared together 100 years ago. It is vital that younger generations learn the lessons of the war by visiting memorials. So by paying tribute to the fallen, Their Royal Highnesses will show the way for younger generations to come.'

The significance of the day is being marked in a multitude of ways. Prince Charles attended a service in Glasgow reflecting the contribution of the Commonwealth and the BBC offered tremendous coverage. An excellent way for everyone to participate is by joining the #LightsOut campaign. Everyone in the UK (and elsewhere) is invited to turn their lights off from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m, leaving on a single light or candle for a shared moment of reflection. I thought this a particularly special idea and one I will be joining tonight.

Lights Out

A haunting quote from Foreign Secretary Edward Grey in 1914.

The Royal British Legion

In the afternoon, William and Kate travelled to the town of Mons where they joined by Prince Harry. The trio attended a reception and viewed pictures and exhibits at the Mons Town Hall.

Before the service, the royals walked through the graves and paid their respects.

Both German and British soldiers are buried at St. Symphorien Military Cemetery. It is unlike other huge fields of war graves with small hills, flowers and winding paths marked by trees. It is incredibly special in that it gathers those together who died on opposing sides of the conflict. It's also significant for the royals to be there as the first and last British soldiers to die in WW1 are buried at the cemetery.

Wikipedia

The land was donated by a Belgian during the war; British soldiers killed during the first weeks of the war were originally buried by German soldiers in groups of carefully arranged graves. Today it is looked after by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The Duchess wore an Alexander McQueen coatdress (with many thanks to our reader Lorelei who called the press office and received confirmation. You can read Lorelei's article for WWD here). As you can see it features a peter pan collar and drop waist.

I thought she would maybe wear the grey dress and coat she was wearing at easter sunday or a darker colour. But as HRH Queen Mathilde is wearing grey today, it might be good that she did not so.The hat is lovely, but Im not fond of the collar, it makes her look older. Queen Mathilde looks very elegant but still appropriate for the occassions today. Would have loved to see something similar on the Duchess.

BUT of course not the fashion should be in the focus today. We all should remember the horrible actions and the great loss of lifes

I'm glad Kate opted to wear a new piece today, as I have been growing quite bored with all of the repeats she has been wearing lately, especially for the casual events. I don't know if I am alone in thinking that it is more special if she wears a different outfit for each event because it makes every event feel unique. I know she doesn't want to pull attention from whichever event she is at, but lately, at least for me, the repeating clothing is coming off as lazy instead of thoughtful.

I do like the piece she is wearing. I love the color, and although I'm not sure how I feel about the horizontal crease under the bust, I do think this outfit is nice (although perhaps I'm just relieved to be seeing her wearing something new). And I like the colors in the hat and the change in hairstyle. I wish she would do something different with her hair more often.

Great post as always! I always learn so much more about history through reading your posts. The effort you put in is incredible.

Wonderful post. History must be revisited - otherwise we repeat our mistakes over and over. Hard to believe the atrocities that still happen all over the world. Younger generations need to see and be told more about the wars - it is our responsibility. It's terrifying - but unfortunately so true. I have not been in Belgium yet, but my parents took me to. Visit Auschwitz when we were on a summer trip - and let me just say one can NEVER imagine, until you actually see it with your own eyes. What humans can do to fellow humans cannot be captured in words or movies. You have to be there, breathe the air, feel the chambers' oppression to just begin to realize...

I did not know of the candle event, but will participate tonight with our own family. Sadly nothing was said in Canada. But I will try to spread the word.

I was expecting her to wear her remembrance uniforme (aka the blue Alexander McQueen, wich she first wore to the ANZAC day), but I am most pleasantly surprized. There are details that I might not like so much about the dress (the collar), but it's NEW! And great hat. And she looks so lovely (cheeky?).The nicest article about this event, as about all the events. Thank you, Charlotte!Emese

I watched a bit of the ceremony live on French TV, saw the Duchess chatting away with the French President. I wonder in which language as I don't think he speaks any English, at least not well.

I loved the hat and the color of the coat and I thought she looked beautiful, but I'm not a fan of the actual styling of the coat. Seemed a bit fussy to me in the wrong places. I thought the Queen of Belgium had a gorgeous dress for the occasion.

I thought Williams speech was beautiful in its simplicity.I loved Kate's hat but thought the coat dress was a bit "little girly"Incredible event though as so many of us will have been touched by war and conflict whether on the past or recent times. Lest we forget ..... Simone

It is hard to believe that happened 100 years ago! Seems so long ago, but in terms of history it is still pretty recent and Europe (Belgium in this case) are still bearing the scars of that war.

LOVE the hat!! Wow, love that she chose one with so much personality and a splash of color! I'm kind of surprised she debuted a new dress for such a somber event....and I don't like it. Sorry, but I'm not very educated in terms, but the bold stitching at the bust and drop waist don't do anything positive for the dress. To begin with I'm not a fan of drop-waist dresses, but that horizontal seam at the bust seems out of place and not flattering. Then to pair that with the ruched shoulders and peter pan collar and it's too many things, in my opinion. And since I tend to think Emilia Wickstead designs always have some odd & unflattering features/details (my personal opinion), that's my guess for the designer.

Shoes...do LK Bennetts have red soles? In one of the sitting picture I thought I could see a red sole. Am I crazy?

Oh dear, I wish I could be all praise for that outfit, but I´m definitely not.... That jacket looks as if it was some sketch idea quickly sewn together for a first fitting.... and I don´t know if it is the light, but on some of the pictures the colour doesn´t seem to match the skirt. I´m sorry, it just looks odd... Queen Mathilde, on the other hand, with effortless elegance.... Maybe a jacket to go with the dress would have been more "appropriate" for the service, but the dress itself is lovely.... Kate´s hat is lovely, too, Jane Taylor really is a great milliner, for sure...

I love the idea of the "light out - one candle" rememberance. I sincerely wish we would finally start learning from the past, but unfortunately, there are still enough people in this world who believe that war of any kind is actually solving any problems... as if....

First of all, thank you Charlotte for this wonderful coverage back in Britain and in the rest of Europe. It is a time to remember for sure. I join Eve here of her comments about war, I hope mankind learns its lesson one day. God I hope gives all the fallen peace and tranquill.

About the fashion today, for the first I said yeahhhhh it is not a coatdress but a suit but reality checked in, it seems to be yet another boring coatdress. Boring, same earrings, shoes. I join Eve here again the fit of coat or sth is just clicking with me, it looks odd on her.Yet, the hat is one tremendously great one, it is the nicest she has ever worn, at least for me.

I have a question to you Charlotte or Anon Leo or anyone who has any ideas about how these dignitaries choose the colour of their clothes especially for these occassions it must be so difficult! I must say the last colour I imagined the duchess will wear is cream.

And at last the image of the bishop Palace now and then is striking and disturbing. Thank you Charlotte once more, for making a really nice remembarance post.

I know Blue27, the news is so agonising to read right now, that I can only hope that people look back at those photos of the past and wish for peace in our time and all times. Those photos of the palace and the bridge are so upsetting, but most terrible is that we see such similar images in the news today affecting so many all over the world.

A beautifully down post Charlotte, thank you so much for putting it together. I loved the photo of the balloons, so fragile and yet so bold and colourful.

No idea how royal ladies choose colours. Mathilde is generally a most elegant dresser although she has worn some very wacky hats of late. (There is a wonderful royal hat blog for all interested.) She looked perfection today. A short time ago Mathilde wore bright orange shortly after the plane crash in Ukraine. I was startled but it said it was in sympathy with so many from the Netherlands who were killed. So colour can be quite symbolic.

Both royal ladies looked truly elegant in my eyes and I liked Kate in the cream with a touch of coral. But I'm bound to say, on close inspection there were some tailoring issues. Apart from what was mentioned the hem needed attention. Quite surprising for a Macqueen. I was blaming poor Emilia quite unjustly.

But the overall impression was wonderful. It is such an important occasion and so moving to see the royal families together in unity. It is strange to think how the royal families were so closely linked together and how WWI shattered that and led to the loss of so many royal houses, for good and ill, and a name change for the now Windsors.

Catherine looked beautiful as usual and I loved the outfit---but that is hardly the main thing today.I watched the live stream on Telegraph on line and and was so proud of the Duke and Duchess. He gave an excellent speech . Catherine was seated between William and President Hollande of France and I was impressed by the ease with which she engaged in conversation with him, whilst ensuring that William was also brought in.Almost forgot--when I first saw the outfit it looked pink---different light I suppose..I have just been watching the TV, where Prince Harry was in Folkestone, where the Expeditionary Force left for France.Whatever the criticism of these young people, when the occasion demands, they are really quite superb.

I´ve just watched a video clip on the internet, so it seems to be a coat, not a jacket....I´m still not a fan of the upper part, though. The cream colour looked very good on the Duchess in the clip, especially with her hair and the hat...

Kate does look great in white and I like her hat. She does look nice but I'm not fond of this jacket and skirt as the combination of 3 different traditional little girl style elements in the Peter Pan collar, puffy sleeves plus full skirt are imo too little girly for a 32 year old.

I will be surprised if this turns out to be by McQueen as their garment construction details are always very well executed and I see poorly done alterations in the jacket. It's obvious that the horizontal fold on her jacket just below her bust was not a planned design feature. It's clearly a hasty fix to make the jacket shorter in the torso. You can even see the thick outline of the excess fabric they tacked up to accomplish that. Oh dear, if you look very closely, you can also see a small spot of self adhesive webbing they used to hold the fold in place.

I agree that there were major tailoring issues. You did a good job at describing it, Sarah. Maybe there was a last minute change of outfit for some reason, for Mcqueen is generally quite reliable.

But seeing Kate and Mathilde together was wonderful. And it was the most beautiful and solomn of ceremonies. William spoke very well. The connection between the young and a generation almost entirely past, is very moving.

I was expecting McQueen, given the design similarities to Kate's Black Watch and blue New Zealand coat dresses. But also because of the construction quirks such as the uneven hem and bodice tuck. This coat dress is a beautiful color and overall design, however, and Kate looked very lovely. The touch of color and reference to poppies on her hat is especially appropriate.

Kate and William obviously played their part with elegance and distinction. They must make the Queen very pleased and proud.

Thank you, Charlotte, for the look at what WWI did to Europe. I think in the US memories of that war have become blurred with time and the more vivid and immediate experience of WWII. It is good to be reminded of what the first world war wrought. Too bad it had to happen again, and that the world is still experiencing such tragic wars.

What an emotional time. It would be interesting to feel what the atmosphere is like there today.The old photo you have posted Charlotte of the Palace of Bishops sends chills through one's spine. Goodness only knows what those poor souls were feeling.

I thought Kate looked very refreshed and pretty. I actually thought she was wearing a sweet little suit with a cropped jacket. But as a coat, I'm not sure the pleats and drop waist work on her figure. But loved the hat. The shape of the frilly flowers actually remind me of poppies. I thought that was kind of appropriate.

I am amazed at how tall Queen Mathilde must be! She seems to be wearing similar heels as Kate, but still stands inches taller.

The lights out campaign sounds beautiful. What an appropriate way to commemorate the day and remember the brave.

Wait...hold on a minute Anon 22:28 (second Anon commentor)...Excuse my terming it this way, But who in the hell said we do not like Catherine???

Granted, I haven't had the time to comment in a week or so, but I think, IMO, I speak for most here at Charlotte's blog when I say we DO like Catherine! We may not always like what she does/doesn't do, or what she wears, or even how she acts sometimes...but that is not a reason to say we don't like her!

Anon, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If they choose to share it with everyone else here, that is their choice also. Did you happen to catch the name of this blog, by chance? That is why most of us are here, because we like the RF, Catherine included, and like to read Charlotte's wonderful posts and talk together about it.

Yes, there are some here, who truly do not like or appreciate the Duchess Catherine. Again, that is their right and freedom of choice. Do me, yourself and everyone else a favor please: only speak for yourself in the future; I do not appreciate someone speaking for me, especially when they are wrong! Thank you.

P.S. I agree with most of the comments I have seen so far. I also like the hat, and the color of the coatdress, but the styling seems a little strange to me personally. However, I also agree that today's engagement was 100% more important than what anyone was wearing. I am sure the Queen is very happy with the admirable job PW, PH and DofC did representing the UK and the RF!

LOL! I just realized that Anon 22:28's comment was probably one of those said at a hit and run, to elict someone to get upset and "let it fly" out (like I just did a minute ago). Sigh, I fell for it again. In my defence, lol, I haven't had a chance to comment lately (been working so much I have had very little time for anything but sleep), and I just wasn't expecting someone to say something so off the wall.

Putting my guard back up ;). Hope everyone is doing well! Thank you Charlotte for the amazing work you have done on the recent posts! They have been simply wonderful!

Sorry for the long wait, but difficult times have kept me away from this blog.

I meant to give you an account of your natal chart, and I have been considering how to do it via posts here. I came to the conclusions that the best way is for you to give you a link to a very well-done website, where you can get a detailed - if computer-generated - account using their free natal chart service. You just have to insert your birth data and consider that, even if certain things will look contradictory, it's normal - you have to elaborate the big picture considering all the various aspects you'll find.

Don't worry about it Jenn, it was a beautiful response that speaks for all of us.

One of the interesting things about the first comment is that it says "the queen should tell William..." Catherine is an adult woman pf great character. She can make up her own mind what she wants to do. And my opinion is that she and William are one of the most loving couples out there. They will stand firm together against every challenge and there will be massively greater challenges in their position than ever appear on any blog or in any newspaper article. Someday, they will represent a nation.

Jenn! I used to think we should ignore the tactics of these ill-Mannered, faulty-thinkers.But the poor things have never been taught any better than to behave like thugs, so I guess it's up to us. You responded very well, Dear Heart.(PAY ATTENTION ANONS 13:30 & 22:28) This is called "being supportive"--try it instead of snarking at each other. Also notice that we do not use bad language here--and just because we aren't always crazy about SOMETHING KATE WEARS there's no logical justification for CALLING FOR A DIVORCE ACTION If you pay attention to how we treat each other on this blog, you'll learn things such as good manners, treating others with respect--disagreeing with respect, apologizing when wrong, and --in general --INTEGRITY! AnonLeo--agreed that Jenn spoke for us eloquently (and with impressive emotion!) CAMILLA!! We've been wondering where you went!! Hope that things are going better for you! So good to hear from you! Somehow-I can post longer!!Sure hope it lasts!!

Excellent post as usual. Just heard the first British soldier to die in the conflict was 16 years old. He lied about his age

The Duchess looks extremely well. Slowly she's becoming important diplomatically I've noticed as a representative of the Queen and country. I also noticed her conversing with president Hollande of France. I wonder if she speaks french.?? interesting.....

The Duchess attire is perfect. Good choice she looks beautiful and elegant. Very well turned out befitting of a lady of royal status.

I'm happy she wore something other then navy skinny jeans and a navy blazer but the dress does not flatter her long shape. It makes her waist look like l l. Instead of a flattering )( shape she needs because she doesn't have hips(honestly I'd rather people say this about me then I have massive hips so it's not an insult just an observation). That's just bad sewing on the designers part for not realizing it and not making the bottom line at her waist. The color is lovely and it has very pretty parts about it like the peter pan color, sleeves and the steam below her breasts very pretty. And I love love love the hat! Queen Mathilde is on point today I loved her outfit it was beautiful!

I thought that too when I saw her standing. But not because it looked indecent. Only that I was afraid it would when she sat down. But a hint of a dress/skirt/slip under it peeked out so I was calmed. :P

Both Kate and Queen Mathilde looked very very appropriate and... regal.

I loved Kate's outfit - except for the shoes. Not that they did not work, just cause it's getting a tad silly. A peach-coral shoe would have brought the color in her hat to round up the look quietly but so much more elegant. The dress/ensemble is exquisite in my opinion, it must be McQueen. Fits her perfectly (perhaps the hems of the skirt look a bit uneven.

I've read over at the DM (yeah, yeah I know!) and they said it's a McQueen piece. I love the collar and the hat. The coat would look more balanced if either the waist was brought up or the skirt lengthened 2 inches.

Why would long waisted Kate need a tuck to shorten the bodice? I suspect if there was alteration, it was to make the dress leaner for her. Probably a McQueen, since as we have noticed before their alterations may be hasty. But it looks good to me and I'm not seeing the webbing. It's a beautiful coat dress in a beautiful color for Kate. The touch of salmon or peach is just right, too.

Queen Mathilde's dress seems old fashioned to me and bare about the throat where she could have used some pearls. Mathilde is always elegant, however. It will be very interesting to see the evening attire.

Thank you, Charlotte, for the great photos! I hope to see one showing the variety of officials who attended the ceremony. Prince William's short speech was perfect for the occasion.

My sincere condolences for the former soldiers and their families. Talking about fashion Kate looks older. Weird outfit, closed collar, low breast and waist don't help. Kate, one more time, lost the opportunity to show her youthfulness and elegance. On the hand, the Queen looks younger, elegant and more relaxed.

This makes me chuckle a little bit. People always talk about her experimenting with fahion etc. THIS is a combination of a lot of stuff that is in now. Drop waist - check. Peter pan collar - check. Assymetrical/Oddly placed seems - check. And she manages to combine it with with demands of being a royal. Modest - check. "modest" colour - check. etc etc. I am not sure that I like this coatdress. But in a way I do. This girl can't win, can she?

I kind of feel the same way, Rebecca, although I do like to hear constructive criticism. A few positives that outweigh any negatives: 1. She had an amazing, beautiful hat on. 2. Her hair was half up/ half down. 3. She had a new outfit on that, like Rebecca said, experimented with latest fashion 4. She was adequately somber for the event that definitely called for it. (no pictures of her laughing inappropriately or twirling her hair. 5. Looks like she was conversing in French with the French President. 6. She and William are so great together.Ok, I'll stop now. :)

On a totally different note, Queen Mathilde is taller and slimmer than I had thought. Seeing her next to Kate, they look equally tall and slim. I only found out recently that Queen Mathilde was as young as she is (40's). I could never tell how old she was ... probably because of her timeless style.

Mathilde is quite a lot younger than her husband, thirteen years or so, so I think she adopts a slightly more mature style. I've always thought Philippe was very handsome, he's an age I can relate to. Mathilde is very tall but I didn't realise how much until I saw her next to the others.

What a moving ceremony to mark such a sad time in history. Kate looks radiant and I love how she kept her outfit neutral so as not to stand out. I am a fan of the peter pan collar and I very much like Kate's look today. Her hat is beautiful. The pictures of the Tower of London with the poppies are stunning! Thanks, Charlotte. Becks, NC

I wanted so much to like this outfit. But the tailoring is remarkably bad -I first noted it in the picture of Kate standing -what is with the hemline going up and down and up ...The design elements are poorly matched -the single tab thing at her shoulders, the uneven stitching overall, too full a skirt for being so short, tucking the fabric up, and how can a bespoke dress make her look so flatchested? when she's a young woman with an enviable model figure? I find Q Mathilde's dress screaming "necklace, please" but her hat is far more approrpiate -it wasn't a day for a frillip of colorful ribbons on a hat. Esp frustrating, remembering the Easter Day outfit -that would have been so right.

I wonder as some folk have mentioned if it was a nod to poppies which are a very direct link with WW1. Red poppies would have been rather too obvious and this seems like a lovely way to link them for the event.I agree with Rebecca and several others William, Kate and Harry were a credit to the queen and UK today and I felt very proud of them. Apparently Kate was speaking French - a lip reader confirmed. Good on her!Simone

I love the hat with the splash of coral - beautiful (however to me it doesn't really go with the coat dress). I don't mind the coat dress - it's not Kate's best piece - but it's nice to see something new today - I think it's kind of cute. The seaming under the chest looks like it's puckering a bit - a little odd. Duchess needs to find some different shoes and mix up her jewellery - starting to look very tired.

Wonderful post Charlotte. Catherine looks demure in the Peter Pan collar coat dress with the lovely skirt. Just perfect and very feminine. The hat is beautiful.....the hint of coral poppy is a nice touch. Love the L.K. Bennetts.....wish I had a pair! Mel in SoCal

I agree with Leo, nicely said Jo. I thought I saw a few longer comments the other day Jo...was that just a quirk lol? I remember being happy for you, that you could finally comment as you want...so sorry you still have to keep it brief. But as I said before, you are doing an excellent job getting your point across in so few words my dear! Hope you are well!

I think that she looked great today! It is nice to see something new on her.In reference to discussion on the lack of engagements from Duchess, I want to stress how wonderful job the admin is doing here. This is top notch blog. I ready many blogs in many areas and this is one of the best. I would happily follow other blogs by Charlotte. The writing is great, classy, tactful and always interesting. I would love for her to follow some other royal who is more visible, like Letizia and Mary. Those ladies are interesting when it comes to fashion but also have very interesting work on their plates and it would be great to learn more about it.Ola from Poland.

Here's hoping Charlotte has time to revive the Royal Digest at some point where many other royal ladies were covered. She had brilliant ideas for it but I know it takes an enormous amount of effort. Mathilde is one of my favourite royals and she looked elegant today.

Pointless War. I keep mourning not only losses but all the brilliant options of where Europe would be today if the Great War and WWII had not happened. Europe killed off, literally and figuratively, entire generations, its intellectual brilliance and worldly preeminence and, just as important, cultural artifacts (and environmental disaster–there are entire areas in Europe that are barren and environmentally unviable bc of the damage by warfare). What did Europe accomplish with it all? Nothing. Absolutely nothing other need to commemorate these bloodsheds. I, too, will light a candle tonight. Silvia

So many losses and it is still going on, over and over. I can hardly bear to read the news. Regardless of who is right and wrong, so much tragedy. World War II is more immediate to me because my father was in it. WWI always felt more remote, poppy day and war memorials and stories in books but it feels very immediate today.

AnonLeo --can't help but think that this beautiful & deeply felt commemoration might help to educate and inspire even those too young to notice as they go about their "young & carefree" lives. Even if all they see is Kate's outfit, they may realize that she was there for reasons worthy of their attention. We can hope.

I agree. The memorials are easy to miss even as you're looking at them - so many towns have them, they become a place just to meet. But the beautiful and touching ceremonies really help bring it back. So right to send William and Kate so young people will look.

Looks like water, and in Williams and the dude at the left. I know someone was gonna point this out. I have registered that at these types of functions royals, presidents etc sometimes choose non-alcoholic drinks. If not for personal taste, presumably to keep a clear head since alot of eyes are on them.

Totally agree Royalfan, was just thinking the same thing. I'm sure they will start again ( or have they even stopped lol). Oh, that reminds me, I saw on a magazine cover today that Catherine announced that she is pregnant with a girl now and that she has angered the Queen because she wants to name her after Diana! Lol, I just looked at it and shook my head in disbelief.

Lovely post, Charlotte. We must never forget history, and how it has shaped where we are today.

Am I the only one who thinks this jacket would look a lot better if it were paired with a pencil skirt instead of a full skirt? I don't know, the full skirt is just too 'girly' for the occasion. I also think this jacket can really only be worn on the less-endowed of the world...which I am not, so no jacket for me, lol.

I m okay with the shoes today. Yes, they are stale looking...but they must be one of her more comfortable pairs. I also lie the splash of color from the hat.

I'm replying to myself...go me!On further review, I do not much care for the Queen's dress. It's kind of...ill fitting? So, less regal than I first thought. But it's a pretty color, as is the Duchess's outfit.

You're on a roll, Amy! Some of the details on Kate's outfit are not my favorites--but altogether, it presents beautifully. And W&K look so handsome together and their interaction with each other is heartwarming!

L O V E the coatdress. I love her in these collars. One of my favorite outfits of her's is when she and Will visited Eaton (I think it was Eaton) and she had on a black collar similar to this under a red blazer. I don't like the hemline straight across her chest, but LOVE the dropwaist! All in all, she looks very suitable for this ceremony and carries herself like such a lady. When she has to curtsy to dignitaries, it makes me love her even more, because she is humble (I know she HAS to do it, but that she always has such a beautiful smile on her face while doing it, she doesn't seem to think she is too good to do it). Love it.Excited to see what the rest of today brings.Excellent post Charlotte!

I think Kate looks gorgeous. She looks stunning in white. The collar and shoulder details really make this an elegant look. I think the hat might be a nod to the poppy symbolism? I really like Queen Matilde's look as well.

Of the two royal ladies, I much prefer Catherine's ensemble, Mathilde looks a bit blah in that dull hat and the dress makes her seem quite wide across the hip. I see HM also chose a pastel shade today.Charlotte, as always, an enlightening, informative post on this part of the Great War.. Keep up the good work.

Absolutely love the coatdress--lovely silhouette on the Duchess, who pulls it off brilliantly with her figure. Fabric looks divine. She is the picture of elegance, and as another reader mentioned, I agree that her gorgeous hat is a nod to the poppy. Catherine and William continue to make fine statespersons and do us proud.

I think Kate looks wonderful. Queen Mathilde looks like she needs a smoother slip. The dress is snagged in the chest area on her undergarments. Also it looks like the draping is falling Beautiful, tall woman in a lackluster dress.

Actually, the coat dress looks much, much better "in motion" than in the pictures. Quite elegant, really, when you watch some of the video footage..... Prince William´s speech was very good, in my opinion.There´s a video showing the Belgian King asking his wife for help with the flower he´s supposed to put into a wreath - quite touching, really... It´s those little "human" moments that make all these official ceremonies all the more touching....

I really did not like the front Length of this dress for such a sombre occassion, the length was totally off! The hat is beautiful but overall the dress gets a B from me. Also, is there any reason why hats worn on that side only and not tilted on the other side? I'm just curious.

VERY lovely live coverage of the reception (thanks to The Telegraph) with Prince Harry being shifted from table to table by a woman and immediately engaging in a conversation with these people he´s never seen before in his life.... So endearing the way he makes people comfortable and after a few moments starts cracking jokes... And Kate is very lovely, too, talking to some elderly man..... Both seem very much at ease, it´s really very lovely to watch....

Eve, I would agree. Kate and Harry always seem much more at ease and comfortable in public settings, from talking to heads of state to talking to and interacting with the common people, than William is. They are much more natural and comfortable in public settings. They all did very well representing the queen and the UK.

Queen Mathilde has great legs and wonderful blue eyes, and so delicate face! She's a very beautiful woman. I can't believe she's 41. Her behaviour is very graceful and comforting. She's my favourite royal.

I'm consumed with reading stories and viewing historic photos of the Centnary today, and Charlotte's post captures the spirit if today perfectly. Thank you for the hard work putting together such an important entry.

The Mirror has a stunning set of wartime photos that have been carefully restored with color, for those interested.

Sarah, I hope you like the collection. I found myself wanting more! Recasting historic photos in color tends to make them so much more real to a generation who never viewed the world in black-and-white images, I think.

Well I didn't like this coat dress at all unfortunately. It was too much like something a little girl would wear with the Peter Pan collar and full skirt. For some reason I picture Sophie and Edwards daughter wearing this, only shrunken down to her size. I do hope Kate hasn't gone back to her frilly little girl dresses. Even though her style may have been boring recently it was still age appropriate. And like many have noticed the tailoring on this is awful. Shocked me that it was a McQueen piece. I watched the ceremony live this morning on BBC world news, and I have to say I think the person who stood out to me the most was that beautiful little girl who released the single white balloon.She had the biggest smile on her face and I'm sure this is something she'll never forget and tell her children and grandchildren about many many years from now.

On the first five years of her marriage, the Princess of Wales would dress like "the little house on the prairie" and nobody seemed to care. Today Kate was perfectly dressed for the occasion. She was a credit to the Queen and to the United Kingdom.

Monica the beauty of this blog is that we are free to speak our mind however we see fit. I personally didn't like the coat dress today, so I expressed my opinion. I didn't reference the PoW and her fashion choices nor did I say wasn't a credit to the united kingdom.

Royfan- Agreed it does look vintage. The Peter Pan collar is what looks girly to me. I wonder how it would have looked without it. Kate apparently likes Peter Pan collars she's worn them before like the black Topshop dress when pregnant.

Blair - I posted a similar opinion earlier today. Does your taste in fashion lean more towards simpler and tailored lines? If it does, then we have that in common.

Blair is stating a fashion preference that is dissimilar to royalfan/monica/rebecca. So there's no reason to pile on. Think of it this way - Blair says potato and royalfan/monica/rebecca say potaahto. That's what it boils down to ladies. See what I did there? - potato and boils down to? *Rim shot* Thanks ladies and germs. I'll be here all week.

Blair 23:36 - That's an excellent point about the Peter Pan collar. Amazing how adding or subtracting just one design element can dramatically change a garment. Collar shape and pleats versus gathers to create fullness made a world of difference in my appreciation of today's dress. I loved Kate's 2011 Trooping coat dress by McQueen and even though it also had a very full skirt, I thought it very sophisticated and not at all little girly

To view current fashion, try the best free online source I know of - www.style.com. Click on the "Fashion Shows" drop down menu and you can view all the runway shows of *all* the major designers' for recent seasons including the 10 or so true Paris couture shows as well as high to mid price-point ready-to-wear. Runway photos are usually posted within 24 hours. There is also a show archive going back 5+ years for some designers. If you are majorly into apparel and fashion, this website could burn up a lot of your time. Don't say I didn't warn you!! Cheers :) :)

*url #1 posted in 2011; url #2 and #4 - posted in 2012; url #3 - posted in 2011 the newest piece in that collage was the Vuitton black dress from 2011 collection, all the others are pre 2010

Thank you Sarah for your similar opinion. I do prefer more simple clean cut dresses. Especially on Kate. Not really sure why all of a sudden I started getting a fashion lesson just because I don't like this coat dress in particular. I personally don't like Peter Pan collars on women over a certain age. Whenever I go shopping I almost always see them in the Juniors department and not so much in Women's. So I think that says a lot that. Also with the shocking poor tailoring on it, it makes it look even worse.

I appreciate the comments in favor of the duchess' coat dress but take issue with all the other nay-sayers. As a woman, with no beauty like hers at all, I do bear some resemblance, that is after nursing my children my " chest" area was much smaller. I think the pleat in that area helps enormously to give her a boost. Also, as she is short-waisted, the longer waisted clothing gives her a sleeker look. Her legs and knees are gorgeous. Let her show them off while she can! And give her a break about her shoes! I was on my feet all day in a bad pair of shoes today and I am feeling it now!She really does look gorgeous. And look closely (as much as I love the queen in these pictures) her underpants are showing! Just saying!

I think she is incredibly long-waisted, actually, not short-waisted at all. So much so that her best looks are with a defined, high-waist dress or skirt.

That said, I think she looks very polished and flawless today. Sure, I do not care for the dropped waist look on her, but I am not Nina Garcia and this is not Project Runway. Several inches off of her hair length would also freshen things up (but this may be my personal desire for a nice chop coming through!). The Duchess looks professional, regal, happy, and reverent of the occasion.

The bottom line - she is not going to please everyone. The comments on this blog range from her coat looking too girly to her showing too much leg for the event. In the end, she represented herself and her country well, and that is really all we can ask for...aside from more appearances, period. But that is a discussion I could have all day.

BTW - long time follower, first time poster of this blog. I really enjoy the fashion but also the history and other highlights included. As a naïve (? ignorant) American, I find the Duchess fascinating as a person in these times of fame/money-hungry people who would do anything for a bit of that (fame/money), so it is interesting that she seems the opposite. Also, while some people think her overall style is too mature or too young, as a 30 year old professional (I'm a physician), I find her style pretty perfect. Now I just need to find some events in which to wear my newly-purchased coats lol.

Welcome JessicaI think all views from any part of the world are interesting and relevant and personally have never thought of Americans as "ignorant" - I think providing we are all open to new ideas or ways of thinking this can be a great blog with spicy dialogues :-) Simone

I agree that Kate's appeal is how she works hard to main her true identity. She is not showy nor is she a fame seeker. A true asset for the UK. As far as her fashion, it's definitely classic and modern.

Welcome Jessica - Wear your new coats to work. But you should probably swap out your tiara for a fascinator. You and I both know that midwesterners are sticklers about fashion rules. You would never be forgiven for wearing a tiara during the daytime.

And never wear more than one label. If you are wearing your Prada dress, pair it with a simple clutch, not your Vuitton monogrammed bag. We Midwesterners, after all, are a humble breed and we don't like to show off!

I thought kate looked polished today. I don't think she's going to set the world on fire with her fashion choices as we had hoped but she looked fine today. I quite liked the collar and the top fold. Loved her hat and I still think her shoes are lush. I think the days when you colour co ordinated your shoes to match the colour of your outfit is very dated, very 80's. Her hair looked luvly as did her make up oh and I liked the hat very much. I hope she wears a new outfit tomorrow, she sadly seems to make more of an effort for engagements abroad. Bella. Wiltshire

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS OUTFIT!!!!!Gorgeous all the way. Love the touch of darker pink in the hat.One of my favorites pieces.But I love everything she wears....some more than others.Kate just wears clothes so beautifully!!!!I am sure the outfit looks even lovelier in personGreat Photos!!!Thank you!!!

While I understand that this blog is to praise and adore Kate and her clothing choices, I have to think that talk of hats and shoes and pleated skirts and water vs. wine at a reception borders on the obscene and certainly the inane, given the monstrous loss of life during the four years of war into which the UK entered 100 years ago today and the destruction that war precipitated. Charlotte, thank you for at least attempting to keep the focus on what today is - a day to remember and mourn and think about World War I and the millions who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the War to End All Wars. One of the reasons those "lamps" went out all over Europe - and Grey was referring not just to the lives he knew would be lost but to the European monarchies that were falling, one by one, to both the Germans and to Communists and Socialists - was due to the high-living European royals who saw no problem with living extravagantly while their subjects struggled with failing economies, joblessness and poverty. Elizabeth II's maternal uncle, her mother's brother, Fergus Bowes-Lyon, was one of the 888,246 Britons killed in combat during World War I.

Elizabeth-we unapologetically admire Kate on this blog, but given differences in tastes, you'll rarely find a unanimous swell of adoration. Most of us cannot launch into a protracted discussion of WWI but DO give us a little credit for having the appropriate respect for those who gave their lives in that terrible time--indeed in any war.

ElizabethI totally understand your point about the seriousness of the day and I am sure many do not underestimate it.With regard to Edward Grey (the then foreign secretary of GB) I think from all I have read about this period of time, that he was referring to failure of the attempts to reach peaceful agreements which had been going on all summer since the assignation of Ferdinand and Austria having already declared war on Serbia. Grey had been involved in peace negotiations all summer and specifically Belgium had been subject to a treaty agreed in 1839 guaranteeing Belgiums neutrality - signed by Germany, France, GB, Austria and Russia and if course Belgium.France began attacks on German territory in early August and Germany feared an invasion via Belgium by France.Grey was involved in many conversations with Germany and France asking for confirmation that Belgium would and could remain neutral. France confirmed that it would abide by the treaty but Germany saidIt could not due to the risk of invasion.On the 3rd August soThe story goes Grey looked out if his window as the gas lamps were being lit and uttered the words " the lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime"On 3rd August Germany sent an ultimatum to Belgium requesting her assistance to allow the passage of German troops - this was rejected by Belgium.On the 4th August Germany confirmed that she was at war with France and German troops moved across the Belgium border.At this point GB declared war with Germany because of the breaking of the Belgium treaty and the agreement that had been reached to defend Belgium.Having read about that period it would seem that GB didn't handle peace negotiations as well as it might and GB were not as clear about the sides it would take - ie France and Russia - sooner which may have altered the course of history as Germany and GB were great allies upUntil this point and Grey has since been criticised but regardless of all the politics and who did and said what 9 million lives were lost and 28 million wounded or missing in action. The war to end all wars? It seems not ..... Sorry for the history lesson feel free to skip over but I was conscious that sometimes the facts get a little lost. Simone

Elizabeth - I agree with some of your post but not all. Yesterday's comments cannot be used to support your statement that posters failed to understand and pay proper respect to WWI and its victims. This because none of us know what posters did and thought about yesterday during the 15 or so hours when they weren't on this blog. I believe that a certain amount of frivolous activity (as long as it's done at an appropriate time) is not disrespectful or incompatible with mourning and reflection.

Such an important time in the World's history that we need to make sure that our thoughts are with those who sacrificed so much at that time. For those who did not walk this earth again, and for those who returned but carried scars, including ones that we could not see - thank you.

Wow, just loved this hat! Kate looks so polished and elegant in this outfit. However, Im still unsure about the coat dress. Something just seems a bit off to me. The bodice section doesn't look quite right for me. Im thinking, for me, that it seems a bit busy in regards to the collar, the horiaontal detail at bust level, then what appears to be a dropped waist, pleated skirt and also pleats on the sleeve head. I love the colour, I like aspects of it but am still unsure. Overall I think Kate looked fantastic.

I am deeply touched by the remembrance of England's entrance into WWI. Both my father and my husband's father fought in France. My father was gassed and suffered the rest of his life from the effects. When he died the US government paid for my college education as I officially became a "war orphan." I will always be grateful for the gift of an education.Lovely post. I thought the Duchess looked elegant and her clothes were befitting such a sacred occasion.

Charlotte, I am ashamed of myself for not understanding WW1 enough. I love history and I am provoked beyond reason. I am also saddened that my country does not honor this day as we should. I have posted again and again to friends... lest we forget. The pictures are sombering. Thank you!

Sarah, one of the best books I ever read is A Very Long Engagement by Sebastian Japrisot. It's fiction, and the story of five men in WWI who were sent into No Man's Land as punishment, including one woman's fiancé. It's the story of her trying to find out what happened to him. It's a complicated story, but one I was mesmerized by. I understand the film they made out of it wasn't very good, but that book is always there if someone ever asks me for names of good books I read. And now I want to read it again.

I suspect that Kate picked this hat because it has some “poppy feel" to it? I am just speculating or over analyzing. Again, I am not fan of this coat. It makes Kate look like a little girl. I don't mind the Sledge and can see why Kate wears them all the time. It's neutral and goes really well with pastel or neutral tones.

Ot the end of this day honouring peace and the loss of so many young people, can't we avoid sniping at each other and questioning motivations? A great many have commented on the emotional importance of the occasion.

There is a tradition on this blog on commenting on Kate's clothes. As always, there are differences of opinion. I see nothing wrong with that. It doesn't mean anyone is taking the visit less seriously. Might we not try to respect each other's views. I find them all interesting whether I agree or not.

I thought both ladies looked lovely and were dressed completely appropriately for the occasion.

I loved the gentle pink poppy in Kate's hat and her hair looked wonderful. However, there were some tailoring issues with Kate's coatdress. That's a problem with the designer and staff at McQueen, not with Kate.

Liking or not liking an outfit does not mean anyone dislikes Kate. Questioning decisions the couple make or issues about them doesn't mean we dislike them. There is a world of difference.

There are some wonderful photos on the Daily Mail site of Kate chatting with Harry. It is nice that William and Harry are so close and that Harry gets on well with Kate. The Belgium king and and queen are a very handsome couple and so are William and Kate. I hope to see the latter representing the queen more often.

I saw photos of Charles at events but not the queen. I hope she is well. I may have missed something.

@ anon from Leo: The Queen is already in Balmoral Castle for her summer holidays and has visited a commemorative service in Crathie Kirk near the Castle. If you google "Queen service Crathie Kirk" you will find information and pictures. She looked quite well!

If Kate was going for the U.S. Catholic School Girl look she nailed it! Peter Pan collars and skirts above the knee. That's why many of us think Kate looks like a girl, standing next to an elegant and womanly Queen Matilda. Might look fresh to the house of McQueen, not so to the folks who had to wear them almost every school day and the kids that still do. Even the full skirt hangs the same way.

Meanwhile Charlotte, I wanted to point out something - and you may touch more on this in tomorrow's post. I think it is interesting to make note that is was Queen Elizabeth's grandfather George V and grandmother Mary that were reigning in the UK during WWI, and her father George VI and mother Elizabeth that dealt with WWII. Elizabeth got 10 years with her Grandfather before he passed, and of course, 16 more with her father who passed away when she was 26. It is Elizabeth who is sending her heir and grandson William, a former RAF pilot, to represent her, as well as his great grandfather and great great grandfather at these commemorations.

Kate's outfit is quite youthful - I would have added an inch or two to the hem - but she and William are still young and have a very youthful flair. Mathilde is married to an older man. Philippe - wonderfully handsome - is in his fifties so I think Mathilde chooses a slightly more mature style and always did, even before she was queen. She has a very timeless beauty and elegance.

Mathilde also has four children so can't expect her to be quite as slim as Kate although who knows - if Kate has four, she may still stay rail slim!

After seeing more pix later today of Kate's outfit - jeez that seaming is really noticeable and crooked. For a McQueen piece and the amount she would have paid to have this designed for her - it's a shame.

I thought Kate and Marhilde both looked lovely today. The color of Mathilde's dress was pretty, and Kate looked sweet and regal in her cream outfit. Those ladies are both tall. They certainly dwarfed Hollande of France! It is charming to see pictures of William and Kate together; they seem very happy and they always smile and talk to each other. I never remember pictures of his parents looking so happy, and it's nice that these two are enjoying their marriage and their duties.

Kate's style is always so thoughtful. It looks like she chose to wear red and white to make up red-white-and-blue with Queen Mathilde's outfit added in the group. Jane Taylor's original hat design looks like a flower fanned out, but it's interesting that Kate's hat looks like it has a few more folds making it look like a blood-stained/soaked flower. God Bless the Troops! And those that died for our freedom!

Kate Middleton's latest real mom moment came late last month, when she and a friend took Prince George out for a casual stroll around London. The Duchess of Cambridge has been photographed walking with George near their Kensington Palace home before, though this is the first time she's done so with a pal. http://www.popsugar.com/Kate-Middleton-Pushing-Prince-George-Stroller-35403801#photo-35403824

How long was their day today? I didn't realize until I looked at the Daily Mail's coverage that they were there well after dark, carrying lanterns and taking part in a lovely ceremony. It was a beautiful day for the occasion. Now I understand why Kate wore a coat dress. Nice choice, by the way. My only picky bit is that I felt that her coat was too short. I know she is still a young woman with beautiful legs, but on a day like today, just a little bit longer, please. Queen Mathilde looked gorgeous, didn't she. Really pulled together and her hair was fabulous. I am looking forward to the day when Kate puts her hair UP and I mean UP. Not the half up, half down as we saw today. Mind you I am not criticizing, just thinking. No one mentions Princes William and Harry. They are so handsome and do such great work.

Thank you very much for your beautiful and thoughtful posts commemorating the centenary of the start of WW1.

This war brought a fundamental change to my country, Canada. It's said that we became a nation as a result of the valour of our troops at places like Vimy Ridge, the Somme, Ypres and many others. Britain rewarded us with much greater respect and independence afterwards. Still, such a terrible price to pay.

I'm sure most of you know the 1915 poem, "In Flanders' Fields" by Dr. John McCrae, a Canadian field surgeon. If you don't, please look it up. It's very beautiful and haunting and is largely responsible for making the poppy a commemorative symbol for war causes. I'm not sure I've ever seen anything as striking as the Tower Poppy installation-what a brilliant idea.

How could we ever have thought anything was worth all those young lives...?! May nothing like that ever happen again.

I'm glad William and Catherine and Harry were there to represent Britain and the Commonwealth.

Now-about that outfit of Kate's-this one was a miss for me. I thought it was far too fussy and juvenile-the odd colour, the Peter Pan collar, the dropped waist, the pleated puffy skirt, the overly decorated hat. It would have been lovely for a friend's wedding but not for this occasion. I'm not advocating black or red but just a colour that is more sombre and a design that might be more stream-lined and elegant.

I thought Queen Mathilde looked amazing-very dignified yet so stylish and appropriate. Kate wasn't inappropriate. It was just too much of the same style she has chosen for other, less important occasions like The Trooping of the Colour or the Garter Ceremony. I think she needed to step it up. I like what she wore for Anzac day so much more now in comparison.

Initially I wasn't a fan of this ensemble for many of the reasons already stated. But when I saw the John Thys photo with the Duchess front-lit and the darkened back I was struck by the fashion silhouette which was so prevalent during WWII. (Queen Mathilde, too.) I couldn't help but feel the awful irony.

This war to end all wars commemorated today was followed all too swiftly by another. Was that note intentional in the sartorial choices or serendipitous accident? If we want to follow that subliminal thought-trail, more than one person has suggested the ruffled trim on the hat may be referencing poppies. It was my first thought, too. Might the Peter Pan collar and the cream white be a nod to innocence? The innocent naivety with which the lads enlisted and expected to be back before Christmas? That innocence forever lost, the beginning of the decline of Empire and all the rest?

So while we might express some discomfort with regard to "talking about fashion" on a day like this, perhaps we we might find the dissonance less if we could "listen to fashion." In this case, I believe it speaks.

The picture with the lanterns and the Archbishop is so beautiful. I wonder how the Cambridges and Harry spent the time between the afternoon reception and nightfall, which would still be a long stretch this time of year in Europe. There must have been a dinner, though I've only read about the luncheon. I expect they were tired by the time they flew home. But they participated in a beautiful and poignant event with great dignity and compassion. By the way, I thought Kate must have been talking in French with the little flower girl as well as with President Hollande.

Anon Leo, I finally had a few minutes to go back and find out if I was the Anon 6:08 you referred to earlier. It seems I was, and I appreciate your thanks. I only hope that Marg also read that comment. I know she and Florence had become bored with the repetitive debate on this blog, which still continues in spite of all W&K have done in the past week. And in spite of Charlotte's brilliant reporting. But I miss Marg and hope she will decide to return. I would also welcome Florence and Yankee, as I'm sure we all would.

This was such an inspiring post to commemorate those who lost their lives on this first day 100 years ago in WWI when Belgium was invaded by Germany drawing the UK into this war. The photographs showing side by side the Palace of Bishops under siege by the Germans and present day were thought provoking. From what I read above, the first British soldier to lose his life in this war was only 16 years old and the two representing Great Britain honoring all those who died are twice his age. The photograph of the circular grave sites that consisted of German and British soldiers buried together was so poetic and touching.

Thank you for all the wonderful photographs and for sharing this solemn yet honorable glorious day that due to the fallen freedom reigned.

Very moving & poignant events. Listened to Prince William's speech which was powerful in its simplicity. Love the coat dress and hat. Elegant and understated. The three young royals did a wonderful job of representing the UK.

I think Kate looked lovely. As soon as I saw it I knew it was McQueen. And she's smart, she'll get a lot of wear out of this coat dress. I believe the coat dress had a slight "bubble skirt" effect which makes sense because it would help to eliminate any "fly-away". I was trying to guess what she might wear tomorrow and I was thinking the grey sheath dress she wore on the Canadian Royal Tour - when she planted the tree - might work well. Plus we haven't see that dress repeated. Linda from California

Thank you, Charlotte, for this touching post. I would like to add that besides presidents from Ireland, Austria and the European Commission also the German president Gauck was present, which I think to be just the right thing. It shows that former enemies today are able to mourn together those horrible events which I hope is the best prevention of future wars.

I agree with those who have commented that remembering the sacrifices made by so many is the most important aspect of these events and I believe this blog has helped to ensure that we do. I can't resist commenting on the outfit though! Bearing in mind the purpose of the event, I think it was the wrong time to showcase a new and very expensive outfit. The Duchess has so many other lovely outfits in her wardrobe that we rarely see. Bearing in mind the warm weather, I think the light coffee coloured dress by Roksanda Ilincic we saw her wear in Australia would have set the right tone. The lovely hat would have set it off perfectly and also updated it. The duchess could have added a new twist with a plain cream wrap if she needed something to keep out the evening chill.

Hi.I absolutely love when you write posts like this, sharing details of the event and the historical context. Yes, I do love to know about Kate's outfits, but that is secondary to knowing historical and social contexts of the events she attends.

I've been reading for years but commenting for the first time. I am neither British nor American. I understand and admire the reverence given to service men however I cringe everytime someone uses the occasion to passive aggresively dismiss other people's opinion. It's not out of place that one should comment on the fashion of the day even considering the subject. When I check the blog I'm not trying to find out more about the wars....I already know about the wars, I want to see pictures of places I've never been, I want to perhaps learn about how things are done elsewhere, I want to admire how things are commemorated, and I want to see the demeanor and fashion of kate!!!

Now, about the coat dress and everything. just awful in my opinion. I've started to wonder why I even bother, why this particular princess holds my interest at all. I started learning about british fashion through kate but in recent times she has done that wonderful industry no service at all - mind you she doesn't HAVE to, but it would be nice if she's well turned out. Not flashy, but classy and stylish. She has been neither of late. I have to admit some of the other things as well....unending refurbishments on two stately homes, and very small work schedule make me think less of she and William. Ah well! Wish she'd stop dressing like a frumpy 50 year old marm though...i'd be able to forgive her the rest if she at least looked well turned out!

I don't know why so many insist she has to be an ambasador of fashion. She doesn't have to promote fashion. She dresses what she likes. But I agree - she must look properly. Today she looks appropiate but - if I were her I wouln't show the knees. She has bonny knees and they have strange look (they look like babies' faces). Very odd.

Am I going too far when I think perhaps Kate wanted to look like a candle? The coatdress, with the neutral shoes, makes a long cream column, topped with the neutral hat whose peach-colored flowers look like a lit wick. If that's on purpose, it is creative and thoughtful thing to wear on a day when a single candle is being used to commemorate a horrible war. It is also pretty! Even if it's unconscious, it works for me. She can wear peter pan collars and little puffed set-in sleeves and look good. Not everyone can, but she can.

I didn't care for Kate's outfit (the skirt hangs awkwardly) OR Queen Mathilde's (it looks cheap and ill-fitted). Both women have done, and undoubtedly will do, better sartorially. But the outfits at least were neutral and understated enough to be a backdrop to the really important thing: the thousands upon thousands of fallen servicemen being commemorated.

I do wish they could find a different way to celebrate than balloons, though. Releasing balloons looks very pretty but despite being marketed as "biodegradable", they often take YEARS to break down. In the interim they are just trash at best and lethal at worst (http://balloonsblow.org/photo-gallery/hawks). The poppy installation from today's post is much more emotionally compelling and less damaging, to boot.

The Queen looks lovely. Understated and elegant. It look so nice on her because she has some hips. I did not like Kate's outfit at all. She just can't get anything right. I wish she would let someone help her because she doesn't have a clue about clothes.

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Kate's Calendar

27 February - The Duchess will visit the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to learn more about the College’s global health programmes to reduce maternal and newborn mortality worldwide, and will attend a roundtable discussion on tackling the stigma around women’s health.

Later that day, Kate will visit St Thomas' Hospital to officially launch a campaign to promote nursing worldwide. Her Royal Highness will visit a specialist ward, take part in a roundtable discussion and deliver a speech to mark the launch of the Nursing Now campaign.

28 February - The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, will visit the exhibition 'Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography'. Forming the Gallery's first Patron's Trail, Kate has selected images from the exhibition for which she has written personal captions that will be displayed alongside the photographs. The Duchess has also written a foreword to the exhibition catalogue.

19 May - The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor.

12 October - The wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at Windsor.